Learn Microprocessors & Microcontrollers | IIT Kharagpur Online Course
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 2752 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Control and Instrumentation, VLSI design, Robotics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Core of Modern Electronics: A Deep Dive into Microprocessors and Microcontrollers
In the digital age, the intelligence of every electronic device, from a simple washing machine to a sophisticated robot, stems from a tiny silicon brain. Understanding these computational cores—Microprocessors and Microcontrollers—is fundamental for any aspiring engineer in computer science, electronics, or robotics. This detailed blog explores a premier 12-week course designed by Prof. Santanu Chattopadhyay of IIT Kharagpur to provide a solid foundation in these critical components.
About the Course Instructor: Prof. Santanu Chattopadhyay
Learning from an expert with both academic excellence and industry-relevant research is crucial. This course is led by Prof. Santanu Chattopadhyay, a distinguished professor in the Department of Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering at IIT Kharagpur.
- Qualifications: BE (Computer Science), M.Tech (Computer and Information Technology), PhD (Computer Science and Engineering).
- Experience: Former faculty at IIEST Sibpur and IIT Guwahati, with extensive teaching experience in Compiler Design and related subjects.
- Research Expertise: Digital Design, Embedded Systems, System-on-Chip (SoC), Network-on-Chip (NoC), and VLSI Testing.
- Publications: Author of over 150 research papers and several textbooks on Compiler Design and Embedded Systems.
- Professional Recognition: Senior Member of IEEE and Associate Editor of the IET Circuits Devices and Systems journal.
Course Overview: Microprocessors vs. Microcontrollers
The course begins by demystifying the key differences and applications of these two pillars of computing hardware.
- Microprocessors (e.g., 8085): The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. It contains the ALU, registers, and control logic but requires external chips for memory, I/O, and peripherals. They form the basis of complex computing systems.
- Microcontrollers: These are "single-chip computers." They integrate the processor core, memory (RAM/ROM), and essential peripherals (timers, ADCs, communication ports) into one System-on-Chip (SoC). This integration makes them ideal for compact, cost-effective embedded applications.
The course strategically covers a spectrum of devices, from the foundational 8-bit architectures to powerful modern cores, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.
Who Should Enroll?
- Intended Audience: Undergraduate students in Computer Science (CSE), Electronics (ECE), Electrical (EE), Control & Instrumentation, VLSI Design, and Robotics.
- Prerequisites: A basic understanding of Digital Design and Digital Logic is required.
- Industry Support: Highly relevant for careers in companies developing microprocessor and microcontroller-based products, including consumer electronics, automotive, IoT, and industrial automation.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is meticulously structured to build knowledge from the ground up, culminating in practical system design.
| Week | Topic | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | General processor architecture, Microprocessors vs. Microcontrollers |
| 2-5 | 8085 Microprocessor | Deep dive into architecture, programming, and operation (Parts I-IV) |
| 6-7 | 8051 Microcontroller | Hardware intricacies and programming of this industry-standard 8-bit MCU |
| 8 | PIC & AVR Microcontrollers | Overview and comparison of these popular microcontroller families |
| 9-10 | ARM Processor | Architecture and programming of this advanced, power-efficient core (Parts I-II) |
| 11-12 | Interfacing Examples | Practical system design examples using the covered processors (Parts I-II) |
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
To complement the lectures, the course recommends authoritative texts for each major topic:
- 8085: Gaonkar, “Microprocessor Architecture, Programming and Applications with the 8085”.
- 8051: Mazidi, McKinlay, Mazidi, “The 8051 Microcontroller: A Systems Approach”.
- PIC: Bates, “PIC Microcontrollers”.
- AVR: Mazidi, Naimi, Naimi, “The AVR Microcontroller and Embedded Systems”.
- ARM: Smith, “ARM Microcontroller Interfacing: Hardware and Software”.
Why This Course is Essential for Your Career
This course is more than an academic module; it's a career investment. By starting with the foundational 8085, you build a mental model for CPU operation that makes learning any complex architecture (like ARM) intuitive. The progression through 8051, PIC, and AVR exposes you to different design philosophies and real-world applications. Finally, the focus on interfacing and system design translates theoretical knowledge into practical skills—the very skills sought by top electronics and embedded systems companies globally. Enroll to bridge the gap between digital logic and creating intelligent, functional electronic systems.
Enroll Now →